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Date of Event: Jan 23, 2025

Source: https://www.PKDefense.com

A Resounding Roar: Pinaka Mk-III Amplifies India's Artillery Firepower​

Story by support@india.com (India.com News Desk)
• 17h • 3 min read

Pinaka Mk-III© Abhijeet Sen | Girish Linganna
The Indian Army is set to witness a revolution in its artillery capabilities with the induction of the Pinaka Mk-III multi-barrel rocket launcher. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this cutting-edge system boasts an impressive range of 120 kilometers, significantly surpassing the 90-kilometer reach of the Russian Smerch system. This leap forward is poised to reshape the Army's strategic ground operations and bolster its firepower on the battlefield.


Dominating the Battlefield: Pinaka Mk-III's Extended Reach

The Pinaka Mk-III's extended range provides the Indian Army with a crucial strategic advantage. It allows for precision strikes deep into enemy territory, disrupting supply lines, command centers, and troop concentrations. This enhanced capability significantly boosts India's deterrence posture and strengthens its position in potential border conflicts.

Compared to the Smerch, the Pinaka Mk-III offers a 33% increase in range, giving Indian forces a wider operational envelope and the ability to engage targets from safer distances. This not only enhances the survivability of artillery units but also provides greater flexibility in tactical deployments.

Technological Prowess: The Driving Force Behind Pinaka Mk-III

The Pinaka Mk-III's extended range is a result of significant advancements in rocket propulsion, guidance systems, and warhead technology. The system incorporates:

• Improved propellant formulations: Allowing for greater thrust and longer burn times.
• Advanced navigation and guidance systems: Ensuring pinpoint accuracy even at extended ranges.
• Enhanced warhead designs: Delivering a more potent payload to the target.

These technological advancements place the Pinaka Mk-III among the most capable rocket artillery systems in the world. It offers a level of precision and firepower comparable to, if not exceeding, similar systems deployed by other nations.

Pinaka Mk-III Specifications:

• Range: 120 km (75 mi)
• Length: 7.2 m (24 ft)
• Rocket Diameter: 214 mm (8.4 in)
• Warhead Weight: 250 kg (550 lb)

From Development to Deployment: Pinaka's Evolution

The Pinaka system has undergone a remarkable evolution, starting with the Mk-I variant with a 37.5-kilometer range. Subsequent versions, the Mk-II, 60 Kilometre range and now the Mk-III, have progressively extended this range, culminating in the current 120-kilometer capability.


The DRDO's dedication to continuous improvement is evident in the system's development milestones. Rigorous testing and validation trials have ensured that the Pinaka Mk-III meets the stringent requirements of the Indian Army.

Currently, the Army operates four Pinaka regiments and has placed orders for six more. Future plans include further range enhancements, with variants capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers away.

Phasing Out Foreign Systems: Grad and Smerch

In addition to the Pinaka, the Indian Army currently operates five regiments of Grad rockets and three regiments of Smerch rockets.

• Grad Rockets: These are Soviet-designed multiple rocket launch systems (MRLS) known for their reliability and versatility, but with a shorter range than the Pinaka Mk-III. Each Grad regiment typically consists of 18 launchers capable of firing a variety of ammunition types.The original Grad rockets have a range of about 20 kilometers. However, newer variants can reach up to 40 kilometers.
• Smerch Rockets: Larger and more powerful than the Grad, the Smerch MRLS is designed for long-range, high-impact operations. However, with a 90-kilometer range, it falls short of the Pinaka Mk-III. Each Smerch regiment consists of 12 launchers.

Over time, the indigenous Pinaka system is expected to replace these foreign systems, solidifying its position as the backbone of India's long-range rocket artillery.


Made in India: Boosting Self-Reliance and Economic Growth

The Pinaka program is a testament to India's growing self-reliance in defense technology. The manufacturing process involves a collaborative effort between various Indian organizations:

• Ammunition Production: Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited
• Launchers and Command Posts: Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro

This indigenous production not only reduces reliance on imports but also generates significant economic benefits. It creates jobs, fosters technological innovation, and strengthens the domestic defense industry.

A Force for the Future: Pinaka's Role in Modern Warfare

The Pinaka Mk-III is a crucial asset for the Indian Army in modern warfare scenarios. Its ability to deliver precise, long-range strikes makes it a potent force multiplier, capable of shaping the battlefield and deterring adversaries.

As the Pinaka system continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in safeguarding India's security and projecting its military power in the region.

MSN

 

[Krishna with Flute]

The deadliest Indian gun with longest range.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

120 KM Pinaka tested. Next in line is 300 K.M. Pinaka. In flight Parameters successfully tested. Rocket followed specified path and hit target with great precision. This is a guided rocket between 5 to 20 meter CEP.

Why the newly-tested 120-km Pinaka long-range guided rocket could be a war-winner for India?​

A former DRDO scientist highlights the rocket's significance as a decisive tactical weapon that offers near-missile accuracy at a fraction of the cost

By The Week News Desk Updated: December 30, 2025 15:58 IST

As the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on Monday, successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket, which has a maximum range of 120 km, a former DRDO scientist observed that the 120-kilometre range can prove very decisive for a tactical weapon on the battlefield.

The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 km, “demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres,” as planned at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India
Speaking about the importance of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket and the weapon system in general, former DRDO scientist Dr Ravi Gupta observed that the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system is significant in many ways.

He pointed out that this was the first defence system to be manufactured by private industry in the country.

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“It was in 2008, under the leadership of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that for the first time in the history of independent India, the participation of private industry in the defence sector was approved. This proved to be a game-changer, and leveraging this, DRDO collaborated with the private sector to have it produced by private industries.”

He said that during the Kargil War, even when the Pinaka was not yet fully developed, the weapon system demonstrated its capabilities.

“Since then, it has made a very significant contribution to the Army. Moreover, the advantage of a multi-barrel rocket launcher is that it is less expensive. Compared to our guided missiles, its cost is significantly lower, although its accuracy is not as high as that of guided missiles.”

What makes Monday’s test significant?​

The defence ministry, on Monday, said the maiden flight test of the Pinaka long-range guided rocket (LRGR 120) was conducted successfully at the Integrated Test Range. The LRGR was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating its versatility and providing launch capability of Pinaka variants of different ranges from the same launcher, it added.

The rocket is designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment, a lab of the DRDO, in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Gupta said the 120-kilometre-range multi-barrelled long-range rocket system has an accuracy comparable to a guided missile, but at a much lower cost. “A large area of enemy territory can be destroyed in just a few minutes. A 120-kilometre range can prove very decisive for a tactical weapon on the battlefield, and this will give our armed forces great strength and power.”

He said that although this is a tactical weapon, when it is used in large quantities by the armed forces, it can prove very decisive in a war.

Another important aspect is that since it was developed in collaboration with the private sector, it will help in expanding the defence industry.

Why the newly-tested 120-km Pinaka long-range guided rocket could be a war-winner for India?

A former DRDO scientist highlights the rocket's significance as a decisive tactical weapon that offers near-missile accuracy at a fraction of the cost

www.theweek.in

 

[Krishna with Flute]

@Bilal9 , @Saif
Dhaka can be hit with This version from Agartala and Shilong. i.e From Tripura and Meghalaya, 7 sisters. Your opinion gents.

 

[Saif]

@Bilal9 , @Saif
Dhaka can be hit with This version from Agartala and Shilong. i.e From Tripura and Meghalaya, 7 sisters. Your opinion gents.

Bangladesh also has TRG-300 MLRS with a range of 120km. Next in line is 280km MLRS.